Compare business insurance quotes
Pick two or more companies to see rates where you live. Free, no obligation.
Insurers at a glance
| Company | How you buy | Strengths | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT (ERGO NEXT) | Online | Fast quotes; 1,300+ professions; AM Best A+g (Superior) | Limited options for high-risk industries |
| Hiscox | Online | Good for consultants and freelancers; 14-day money-back period | More state complaints than expected (2022–2024); BOP not in every state |
| The Hartford | Online or agent | Over 1 million small business customers; Spectrum BOP; CyberChoice cyber cover | Cyber not in Alaska, Louisiana, Vermont |
| State Farm | Local agent | Wide range incl. BOP, commercial auto, workers’ comp, umbrella, bonds | Prices and products vary by state |
| Chubb | Agent or broker | AM Best A++; high limits | Generally priced higher |
| Travelers | Agent | Broad commercial lines | Quotes usually through an agent |
Sources: NEXT (Sept 2025); NerdWallet (Feb 2026); Business Wire (Sept 2025); State Farm; Fit Small Business (2026); AM Best via Business Wire.
Online insurers
NEXT Insurance
Now owned by Munich Re’s ERGO, NEXT was approaching 750,000 small business customers in 2025 and holds an A+g (Superior) group rating from AM Best. It covers more than 1,300 professions, sells BOPs in 41 states and offers standalone professional liability for consultants. Reviewers note fewer options for high-risk industries.
Hiscox
Hiscox sells general liability, BOPs, professional liability and cyber online, and partners with others for commercial auto, umbrella and workers’ comp. It doesn’t insure Alaska-based businesses, offers a multi-policy discount of up to 5% and a 14-day refund window. NerdWallet found Hiscox drew far more state complaints than expected for its size from 2022 to 2024, mostly about claim delays and denials.
Traditional carriers
The Hartford
Serves more than a million small businesses. Its Spectrum BOP bundles property, liability and business income cover, and its CyberChoice policy covers ransomware losses, data restoration and incident response, with a 24/7 hotline.
State Farm
Sold through local agents, State Farm offers BOPs, commercial auto, workers’ comp, umbrella, professional liability, employment practices liability, contractor cover and bonds.
Chubb and Travelers
Both suit businesses that need higher limits or broader commercial cover. Chubb is rated A++ by AM Best; both are usually bought through agents or brokers.
Marketplaces
Insureon and Simply Business compare quotes from several insurers in one application. They’re useful for price shopping, but read each policy’s terms, because the underlying insurer handles claims. Short-term options such as Thimble suit event-based or seasonal work.
How to choose
- Confirm the insurer covers your industry and state.
- Compare limits, deductibles and exclusions, not just price; see our cost guide.
- Check AM Best ratings (A- or better is a common benchmark) and complaint records.
- Consider a bundle such as a BOP.
- Use an independent agent if you’re in a higher-risk industry or need several policies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best small business insurance company?
It depends on your industry and size. Online insurers like NEXT and Hiscox suit freelancers; The Hartford, State Farm, Travelers and Chubb suit businesses needing broader cover or agent support.
Is it better to buy business insurance online or through an agent?
Online is quick for simple, low-risk businesses. Agents help with higher-risk industries, multiple policies and higher limits.
What does an AM Best rating mean for business insurers?
It measures an insurer’s financial strength to pay claims. A++ and A+ are Superior; A and A- are Excellent.
Are insurance marketplaces like Insureon insurers?
No. They compare and sell policies from several insurers; the insurer issues the policy and handles claims.
Can I get business insurance the same day?
Often yes for general liability and professional liability from online insurers, which can issue certificates quickly.
Sources
- NEXT Insurance – AM Best Superior rating (Sept 2025)
- NerdWallet – Hiscox business insurance review (Feb 2026)
- Business Wire – The Hartford bolsters small business cyber insurance (Sept 2025)
- State Farm – Small business insurance
- Fit Small Business – Small business insurance companies (2026)
- Business Wire – AM Best affirms Chubb (Jan 2026)
- AM Best – Guide to financial strength ratings
- Insureon – Small business insurance costs (Feb 2026)
Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.